Most modern translations render b+yh in Jonah 4,4 as a predicate. However, traditional grammars take its function as an adverb that modifies the meaning of the verb, suggesting its translation as a degree adverb. Linguistic considerations support the latter option. This line of understanding opens up a possibility to
interpret Yahweh’s question in Jonah 4,4 not as a confrontation but as an expression of consolation and compassion toward his prophet.

See more by the same author

The Function of bfyh in Jonah 4 and Its Translation 393
Here bfyh modifies another infinitive absolute Ë†wjf, which in turn modifies
the finite verb tkaw. The infinitive absolute Ë†wjf still maintains its verbal
meaning â€œgrindâ€. Therefore, bfyh clearly functions as a conventional adverb
here, while Ë†wjf is an infinitive absolute with an adverbial function that retains
verbal characteristics.
Outside of the book of Jonah the conventional adverb bfyh means â€œveryâ€
or â€œthoroughlyâ€. Since it does not retain its original lexical meaning of â€œbe
good, just, or rightâ€, it cannot be analyzed as a predicate. The three cases in
Jonah are only syntactically different from others in that they are placed in the
initial position of clause. This is probably due to the fact that they are the focus
of the question or the answer (23). In addition, if bfyh is understood as a
predicate, the subject would be the verb phrase (Ëšl hrj). Yet the infinitive
absolute does not occur as a predicate of the subject in the form of a verb
phrase. Therefore, the rendering of bfyh as a degree adverb best reflects its
structure and function in Biblical Hebrew.
The word bfyh can be interpreted in different ways to fit in the meaning of
the context. Yet linguistic considerations based on the evidence from the
Hebrew Bible suggest that we can better understand the function of bfyh as a
degree adverb rather than a type of predicate. According to this interpretation,
Yahweh is not indifferent to Jonahâ€™s emotions ruthlessly imposing his own
agenda on his servant. On the contrary, Yahweh understands Jonahâ€™s feelings
and cares about his distress. As noted by J. Sasson, here Yahweh â€œsympa-
thizes with Jonahâ€™s despairâ€ (24).
Department of Christian Studies Yoo-ki KIM
Seoul Womenâ€™s University
Seoul 139-774, Republic of Korea
SUMMARY
Most modern translations render bfyh in Jonah 4,4 as a predicate. However,
traditional grammars take its function as an adverb that modifies the meaning of
the verb, suggesting its translation as a degree adverb. Linguistic considerations
support the latter option. This line of understanding opens up a possibility to
interpret Yahwehâ€™s question in Jonah 4,4 not as a confrontation but as an
expression of consolation and compassion toward his prophet.
(23) In Biblical Hebrew, it is generally acknowledged that the unmarked constituent
order of a clause is VSO (Verb-Subject-Object), and that the preverbal position is optionally
reserved for special pragmatic functions such as topic or focus.
(24) SASSON, Jonah, 287.